More Marijuana Humonetarianism: This time, from the Governor

...Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger opened a new front for discussion this week, saying that while it's not time to legalize pot, he's willing to talk about it as a revenue-raising measure.

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Schwarzenegger, who was filmed smoking a joint in the 1977 film, "Pumping Iron," sparked headlines by responding to a reporter's question about a Field Poll. The survey found that 56 percent of voters support taxing pot used for pleasure or partying.

"I think all of those ideas of creating extra revenues – I'm always for an open debate on it. … But just because of raising revenues, we have to be very careful not to make mistakes at the same time," Schwarzenegger said.

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California would be the first to legalize recreational pot use under legislation introduced months ago by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, who has shelved it until next year.

The state Board of Equalization has estimated that legalizing marijuana would reduce its street price by 50 percent, increase consumption, and generate about $1.3 billon annually in taxes.

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